N°22 West Point January 20. 1784. D'r Sir Yours N°18 is recieved, I find I answer'd number [undecipherable] [undecipherable] this cannot be for monies [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] [Reg?] Dragoons which is now inclosed — the certificates of the [Pay?] [Office?] are all [undecipherable] on[?], Major Morrison was sent with some others as [undecipherable] — [undecipherable] [undecipherable] I was sent by Capt. [David?] [undecipherable] enclosed there certificates — I was [fearful?] to send them by Post and wanted [undecipherable] this private conveyance — I send you a copy of my letter and an extract from my Register [containing?] a description of the certificates. We at this same time recieved the certificates for the [arrears?] due to the Troops — We [plead?] to pay attention to the money of the [Atlee?], [requires?] of [two?] turns, and whether he has by any public notice [undecipherable] more information of these certificates being in his hands — as he has no [ties?] to this country except his recommendation which is yet in our hands. I wish if you have not heard of him that diligent enquiry may be made where he is, and the most prompt methods be taken to find where he is gone — [undecipherable] this [a most?] serious [undecipherable] matter most [undecipherable] [undecipherable] — [view?] if it should be the worst, the most [surest?] measures [well?] be all [aided?] within the greatest safety to any regulation and [probability?] of [success?] — I have inclosed [two?] as an answer to your [questions?] about bonds the certificates are to be committed as a copy of a resolution of Congress of the 2 of November which direction I think right to be comply'd with by several regiments drawing one agent, because it will be of less publick expence, [undecipherable] a more reasonable, and of course, by [allowing?] him more the business himself the line will be better [undecipherable] the regiments being divided among the different counties he may advertize to be at different places at [old?] times and so make the tour of the State. If the line appoints [strikethrough: one person] or any number of regiments appoint one persons, it will then be [best?] to close the whole or [subarrangements?] as one agent is appointed for, that he may have his whole certificates at once and not be put to the expence and trouble of two tours — but if [any one?] regiment must on an agent, then as fast as [when suits?] each regimental account is closed and presented [and?] I will [free?] the certificates — I have written to Col. [Bicker?] as requested. [signature] [endorsement: No 22 / Jan 20 1784] Jos. Howell Esquire